Latvia blocked EU deal on sanctions against Russian businessmen

Latvia rejected the proposal of some EU states to extend sanctions against almost three thousand Russian individuals and legal entities in exchange for the lifting of restrictions on entrepreneurs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.

France asked to lift the restrictions against Usmanov, and Slovakia and Luxembourg – against Friedman, after which Paris and Bratislava agreed to extend the regime of sanctions against Russia from six months to three years.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs protested this proposal, arguing that such a decision could create a dangerous precedent.

MOSCOW, September 22 – RIA Novosti. Latvia rejected the proposal of some EU states to extend sanctions against almost three thousand Russian individuals and legal entities in exchange for the lifting of restrictions on entrepreneurs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, Euractiv reports, citing sources.

"Ambassadors will resume talks on Tuesday afternoon in a final attempt to break the impasse before the measures expire at midnight. Failure to reach unanimity will seriously undermine the EU sanctions regime against Russia," the publication said.

The article notes that France previously asked to lift the restrictions against Usmanov, which prompted Slovakia and Luxembourg to do the same in relation to Friedman. After this, Paris and Bratislava agreed to extend the regime of sanctions against Russia from six months to three years.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs protested this proposal, arguing that such a decision could create a dangerous precedent.